How to tell if self leveling, and adjusting..

[TheVazha]

BIMMERPOST / Classifieds

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Quick one for you pros:

How do I tell if my ride has air bags/self leveling suspension in the rear? Why do some cars have them and some not, was it an option or was it factory protocol that changed at some point?

Also, does anyone know if you are able to lower the car in the rear using a computer to access the settings in the ecu? I've lowered a couple AMG's entirely by accessing the voltage levels in STAR and it was the best drop ever. Not too low, just sporty. It would be interesting if this can be done on the X5M. All you'd need to lower would be front springs.

Last, and most important, what is the difference between lowering springs and coil-overs? If you have a link to purchase both so I can see the difference that would be great.

Thanks!!!!

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by TheVazha

Quick one for you pros:

How do I tell if my ride has air bags/self leveling suspension in the rear? Why do some cars have them and some not, was it an option or was it factory protocol that changed at some point?

Also, does anyone know if you are able to lower the car in the rear using a computer to access the settings in the ecu? I've lowered a couple AMG's entirely by accessing the voltage levels in STAR and it was the best drop ever. Not too low, just sporty. It would be interesting if this can be done on the X5M. All you'd need to lower would be front springs.

Last, and most important, what is the difference between lowering springs and coil-overs? If you have a link to purchase both so I can see the difference that would be great.

Thanks!!!!

Run your VIN through the decoder to verify your suspension - if you see the line item below you've got the self leveling suspension -

220 SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION

As for which vehicles came with it, I've never found a clear answer on this. For starters, all 3rd row equipped vehicles have it. After that, I've seen some vehicles with it and most without, with no clear reason as to why (year, model, trim package, etc.).

Never heard of a way to lower the back end how you describe

Springs are just that - springs. They replace the stock ones, allowing the vehicle to sit lower. Coilovers would be the springs plus the shock/strut.

Check out this link, which includes pics, and pros/cons of each - http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...s-vs-coilovers

[TheVazha]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Run your VIN through the decoder to verify your suspension - if you see the line item below you've got the self leveling suspension -

220 SELF-LEVELING SUSPENSION

As for which vehicles came with it, I've never found a clear answer on this. For starters, all 3rd row equipped vehicles have it. After that, I've seen some vehicles with it and most without, with no clear reason as to why (year, model, trim package, etc.).

Never heard of a way to lower the back end how you describe

Springs are just that - springs. They replace the stock ones, allowing the vehicle to sit lower. Coilovers would be the springs plus the shock/strut.

Check out this link, which includes pics, and pros/cons of each - http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...s-vs-coilovers

Thanks brotha, I appreciate the link.

I just noticed I put this in the Classifieds section.

[gixxerboy63]

I believe all X5Ms came equipped with self-leveling rear.
The quick and easy way to lower the rear is with lowering links (supplied with H&R kits with self-leveling), however you would not want to lower the rear without lowering the front, otherwise your ride and handling characteristics will suffer.